Former London Police Chief Says the United Kingdom Must Look in to Legalizing Marijuana

One of the England's most respected law enforcement figures is saying it's time for the United Kingdom to consider changing its marijuana laws.

In a new interview former commission of the London Metropolitan Police Bernard Hogan-Howe said it's time for the United Kingdom to look at what's happening in North America and considering changing cannabis laws.

“If I was home secretary, I would have an urgent commission of experts to look at the evidence about what’s happening about cannabis in North America,” Howe said. “We’re lucky – we’re not the pioneers and we can learn from others’ mistakes. The evidence is out there and it shouldn’t be ignored.”

Hogan-Howe did not specifically say he was in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, simply that it's time the government studies the issue.

“I’ve not seen clear evidence to say change the law now. But I have seen clear evidence to say let’s review it, but in a time-limited way, not a kicking-into-the-long-grass way," he said.

The United Kingdom has become the latest hotspot for marijuana legalization. Several high-profile cases involving children needing cannabis to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders led to the country allowing some forms of medical marijuana. But many are pushing for the country to go further and legalize it recreationally.

And if more of England's top law enforcement gets onboard, then it will be even harder for anti-marijuana advocates to oppose it.

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